7 Tips to Strengthen Your Soul in Everyday Life

Simplifying Mental Health

The promotion of mental health awareness is significantly boosted by celebrity endorsements and public discourse. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as a “(…) state of well-being in which an individual is able to realize his or her own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make a contribution to the community.”
This definition suggests that mental health comprises various components, such as the quality of your relationships, job satisfaction, overall life contentment, and psychological resilience. The better your mental health, the more effectively you can handle challenging circumstances, participate in social activities, and manage emotional and economic crises, like those brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Impact of Your Mental Health Over Your Lifetime

All forms of support share a common requirement: they necessitate visiting a healthcare provider not just for physical ailments but for mental issues as well.
Consequently, a clear correlation exists between mental disorders and non-communicable diseases. According to data from the World Health Organization, individuals with mental illnesses have a life expectancy that is 20 years shorter than the average, a stark and alarming reality. This information is outlined in a WHO fact sheet.

Your Mental Well-being Affects Your Lifespan

Every form of support shares a commonality: it necessitates visiting a healthcare professional not just for physical ailments but also for mental concerns.
Consequently, a confirmed correlation exists between mental health issues and non-communicable diseases. Individuals afflicted with mental health conditions have a life expectancy that is 20 years shorter than that of the general population, a fact both alarming and real. This information has been documented by the World Health Organization in a fact sheet.

The Societal Significance of Mental Health

Mental health holds considerable societal relevance because it influences every facet of life. The journey toward normalizing therapy for mental health conditions is still lengthy and fraught with challenges. However, one certainty remains. Influential figures like Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry, Naomi Osaka, and Simone Biles lead by example. They forge ahead, expose their vulnerabilities, and openly discuss their mental struggles, making it easier for others and you to converse about mental health issues.

Mental health is crucial – it impacts individuals globally in all walks of life.

Mental Health in Media

In the documentary series “The Me You Can’t See,” Prince Harry participated in a filmed therapy session, openly and candidly revealing his vulnerabilities to the globe. Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry launched the series on Apple TV+ since May 21, with the goal of dismantling societal biases against mental health issues like depression and bipolar disorder.
Highlights from the panel “The Me You Can’t See: A Path Forward” featuring Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry, and specialists.

Mental Fatigue in Athletics

The persistent stigma around mental health was highlighted when two female athletes chose not to participate in any events at the 2020 Olympic Games (held in 2021).

At the end of July, Naomi Osaka disclosed her ongoing battle with depression since the 2018 US Open. The Japanese tennis star felt exposed and opted to shield herself by boycotting the press at the French Open in 2021, eventually withdrawing from the tournament altogether. American gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from four out of five finals at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics citing mental health concerns. For the four-time Olympic gold medalist, mental well-being is a priority. Figures like Michelle Obama have supported her decision, while critics such as Piers Morgan have dismissed her actions as a “joke”. The debate surrounding this issue is intensely emotional, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health Challenges Amid the Coronavirus Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health issues within society, leading to increased feelings of loneliness, existential fears, and depression among children, teens, and adults alike. A study by medical experts in Hamburg found that one in every three children exhibited noticeable behavioral changes. With the rise in mental health issues worldwide, partly due to the pandemic, Mental Health Europe declared the second annual “Mental Health Awareness Week” in May 2021, aiming to raise awareness across all demographics.

Mental Health Prevention and Support

Visiting a doctor for physical ailments is routine for many, but what about preventative care? How often do you undergo health check-ups?

Typically, women are more inclined to engage in health promotion activities. The exact reasons for this remain unclear. Traditionally, the idealized male is seen as successful, emotionally stoic, and above all, not showing weakness. Conventional male stereotypes complicate the decision to seek medical help. The fact that about one-third of all suicides in Germany are committed by men underscores the severe impact of mental health issues on men. This is just one of numerous examples.

Compared to the mental health of men, there is a notable scarcity of research on the mental health of individuals from migrant backgrounds. The Gutenberg Health Study indicates that individuals who migrated to Germany post-1949 and are of migrant descent tend to experience higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety than those with non-migrant origins.
Specifically, first-generation immigrants are 20 to 40 percent more prone to mental health issues.

Men and first-generation migrants are more likely to face mental health challenges compared to other segments of the population. Nonetheless, mental health issues can impact individuals of all ages across society. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance societal awareness of mental health. But how is this achieved?

How You Can Support Yourself and Others

There are numerous methods to promote mental health awareness. An initial step could be to familiarize oneself with the concepts of “mental health” and “mental illness.” The men’s or women’s health portals provided by the Federal Centre for Health Education offer resources on these topics, with information vetted by experts. You may also wonder whether you are experiencing a mental health condition.
Self-assessment tools are available as a preliminary check but are not a replacement for a professional diagnosis. The website “psychenet.de” offers a range of self-tests and serves as a robust resource for information on mental health and illnesses.

A directory of mental health resources is also accessible if needed.

If you are looking to enhance your mental well-being, the “Mental Health Wellness Tips” video provides useful advice. It covers six key strategies:

1.Focus on the positive in life
2.Practise gratitude in everyday life
3.Building qualitatively good relationships with other people
4.Stay physically fit
5.Developing strong coping skills
6.Seek professional help if needed